Making a difference in older person’s health

The number of older people in New Zealand is growing rapidly. By 2031 it is predicted that more than 1 in 5 people in NZ will be aged over 65 and of these 1 in 8 people will be aged 85 or older. Of significance over the coming decades is the growing proportion of older Māori, Pacific and Asian peoples as well as other ethnic groups.

Most people aged 65+ years are fit and healthy. However, a minority are frail and vulnerable and require high levels of care and disability support. These increased needs usually arise during the last few years of life, or from chronic illness or disability that may have been present for many years.

Improving the quality of life for the older generation

Consequently Community and Public Health is committed to ensuring positive health outcomes for older people in our region. South Canterbury is the only South Island region with more than 15 percent of population aged over 65.

Here are some examples of how Community and Public Health works with older people in the community:

• Develop and support projects that impact social isolation such as the Rockers of Ages Choirs
• Collaborate with other agencies and networks such as Age Concern Canterbury, Elder Care Canterbury and Older Adults Network
• Participate in and contribute to local older person-focused events including the Positive Ageing Expo and the Older Generations Forum

Rockers of Ages Choirs: collaboration with The Muse

The Rockers of Ages is a singing group for elders and aspiring elders – any age and ability welcome. They are run by The Muse Community Music Trust with support from Community and Public Health.

The Rockers of Ages started with the aim of providing an enjoyable activity that would lift older people’s spirits and give them something positive to focus on in the aftermath of the February 2011 earthquake.

There are no auditions for these groups that sing songs from around the world including those from the last five decades in harmony. It is a chance to have a lot of fun, and it really doesn’t matter what your voice is like, or whether you think you can sing or not.

Every practice includes a time for a cup of tea and a chance to get to know other members.

• Find out more about the Rockers of Ages choirs. You can also contact The Muse Community Music Trust on 03 388 0433.
• Watch a video of the June 2012 Rockers of Ages Flash mob (YouTube).
• Read the evaluation of the Rockers of Ages choirs [PDF].

The Keepsake Singers: another collaborative singing project

The Keepsake Singers is for everyone who enjoys singing songs from the past in a fun, friendly atmosphere. The Keepsake Singers is particularly welcoming to older adults and to people experiencing memory loss and dementia. Participants can suggest songs they would like to sing.

This new singing group meets on Tuesdays during the school terms. The cost is a donation of $2 to $10 per session.

Come along and relax in the enjoyment of our shared treasure of songs, while connecting with others who love to sing.

• Find out more about the Keepsake Singers.

The Keepsake Singers is an initiative of The Muse Community Music Trust, with support from Alzheimers Canterbury and Community Public Health.

Supporting Kaumātua in the community

Kaumātua or elders in our community have a special presence and there is no age limit. Health Promoter Christina Henderson defines kaumātua as an elder who has knowledge, shares their wisdom and whakapapa to whatever tribal affiliation they belong to. Kaumātua are people we turn to for advice and guidance and they have a number of roles in whānau, hapū and iwi.

Consequently there is also a responsibility to give back and help support kaumātua with their needs through such a relationship. One of these ways that Community and Public Health has supported local kaumātua recently was a gathering at Rehua Marae for the annual hīkoi for World Smokefree Day. We all share a love for life and to stay healthy within our means. Whanaungatanga is where we all gather and nourish our hearts with kai, laughter, karakia and waiata.

Documents

• Healthy Ageing Strategy (Ministry of Health 2016)
• 2014 Report on the Positive Ageing Strategy (Ministry of Social Development)
• Alcohol use in advanced age: Findings from LiLACS NZ (University of Auckland 2014)
• Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Older People: A background paper (Ministry of Health 2013)
• Guidelines on Physical Activity for Older People (Ministry of Health 2013)
• Tatau Kura Tangata: Health of Older Māori Chart Book 2011 (Ministry of Health)
• Older People’s Health Chart Book 2006 (Ministry of Health)
• Life-long sexuality (Family Planning)

Downloads

Download or order resources from the Community Health Information Centre.

• Ageing Well
• Eating for Healthy Older People
• What is a Stroke? (NZ Stroke Foundation)
• Alcohol and Older People (Health Promotion Agency)
• Late Life Depression (Mental Health Foundation)

Links

• Community Transport Services in Christchurch/Canterbury (AgeConcern)
• Boomers and beyond (Mental Health Foundation)
• SuperSeniors (Ministry of Social Development)
• Eldernet
• Age Concern
• Office for Senior Citizens (Ministry of Social Development)

Shingles vaccine on the way for older New Zealanders

Released 16th September 2017

Pharmac is carrying out a consultation on funding the vaccine for shingles (herpes zoster) from April 2018.

“The introduction of a free shingles vaccine for over 65’s would have a significant impact on reducing the harm caused by this common disease,” says Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman.

“Shingles is an infection that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Symptoms include burning, sharp pain, tingling or numbness of the skin, a rash, a fever, chills, a headache and an upset stomach.”

Pharmac proposes to make the vaccine available free of charge from primary care practices. The shingles vaccine has been available for private purchase in New Zealand and has a long safety record internationally.